Kosher Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe - Crispy, Juicy, Family-friendly, Weeknight-easy

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These kosher air fryer chicken tenders deliver that crave-worthy crunch without deep frying—perfect for busy nights, Shabbat prep (before candle-lighting), or kid-approved meals that adults love too.

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📊 Recipe Overview

• Servings: 4

• Yield: About 1½ lbs chicken tenders (12–14 pieces)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

• Total Time: 25–27 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Cooking Vessel: Air Fryer (basket or tray style)

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🧺 Ingredients (Kosher)

Important: All ingredients must be kosher-certified and pareve or meat-approved. No dairy.

Chicken

• 1½ lbs kosher chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

Coating

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (kosher, pareve)

• ¼ cup finely ground matzo meal (optional, for extra crunch)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano or parsley

Binding

• 2 large eggs, beaten
  OR

• ⅓ cup unsweetened pareve mayonnaise (great for extra juiciness)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer
   Preheat to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Prepare the coating
   In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, matzo meal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and herbs.

3. Prepare the chicken
   Pat chicken dry. Lightly toss with oil.

4. Coat the chicken

   • Dip chicken into egg (or mayo), letting excess drip off.

   • Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides.

5. Air fry

   • Arrange tenders in a single layer (do not overcrowd).

   • Air fry for 5–6 minutes, flip, then cook another 5–6 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest & serve
   Let rest 2 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

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🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 520mg

(Values vary based on coating and oil used.)

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🌱 Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free:
  Use gluten-free panko or crushed GF cornflakes.

• Low-Carb / Keto:
  Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork-free kosher cheese alternatives (pareve) or almond flour.

• Egg-Free:
  Use pareve mayo, mustard, or olive oil as the binder.

• Spicy Version:
  Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the coating.

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🛠️ Tips & Troubleshooting

• Not crispy enough?
  Lightly spray coated tenders with oil before air frying.

• Dry chicken?
  Use mayo instead of egg and don’t overcook.

• Uneven browning?
  Flip halfway and avoid stacking.

• Coating falling off?
  Press crumbs firmly and let coated chicken rest 5 minutes before cooking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions (Kosher & Dairy-Free)

• With oven fries or sweet potato wedges

• Alongside Israeli salad or coleslaw

• In a wrap or pita with tahini or hummus

• As kid-friendly nuggets with ketchup or honey mustard

• Over rice, quinoa, or salad bowls

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📝 Notes (Kosher-Specific)

• Keep meat-only utensils and air fryer basket.

• Do not serve with dairy dips.

• Suitable for Shabbat prep: Cook ahead and reheat briefly before serving.

• Always verify hechsher (kosher certification) on breadcrumbs and spices.

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